As with every NFL offseason, free agency pushes talented players from one zip code to another in pursuit of lucrative, multi-year contracts. While not as loaded as the wide receiver position, the free agent tight end class offers multiple top tier options.
2015 NFL free agents: Julius Thomas, Jordan Cameron top tight ends available
Few positions offer more quality at the top than the tight ends.
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Unlike at quarterback where the marketplace contains no long-term starters, tight end boasts two players with recent Pro Bowl selections to their resume. Better still, both have yet to celebrate their 27th birthday. With an increasing number of NFL offenses featuring pass-catching tight ends, massive bidding wars are expected to emerge around each player.
The only question is which teams will make a push for the top tight ends. The Oakland Raiders and Jacksonville Jaguars will be rumored for any big-name free agents due to their incredible surplus of available cap space. However, a team like the Atlanta Falcons could also prove an attractive option given the presence of Pro Bowl quarterback Matt Ryan.
Below is a list of the available free agent tight ends:
Since emerging as one of Peyton Manning’s top targets during the duo first shared a field, Thomas has establishing himself as perhaps the league’s top tight end after New England’s Rob Gronkowski. Thomas’ size (6’5, 250) makes him an impossible assignment for slot corners, while his athleticism (4.64 40, 35 1/2 vertical) allows him to easily outmaneuver linebackers in coverage. His gifts have manifested in the form of 1,277 receiving yards and 24 touchdowns since the start of 2013.
If there’s a knock against Thomas, it’s his ability to stay on the field. He missed all of the 2012 season, followed by five games over the past two seasons. Still, it’s rare for a tight end of his caliber to hit the market before his 27th birthday.
Update: Thomas signed a five-year, $46 million deal with the Jaguars.
A former basketball player, Jordan Cameron broke out alongside Josh Gordon in 2013, catching 80 passes for nearly 1,000 yards and seven touchdowns. Cameron took on a larger role the following season when Gordon sat out due to suspension. Though his gross numbers dropped, he became a better downfield threat, averaging 17.7 yards per reception.
Like Thomas, the concern surrounding Cameron is his health. He missed six games in 2014 while recovering from a concussion. With the league never more concerned about the effects of head trauma, Cameron’s market might take a hit. Still, multiple teams should make a run at the talented pass catcher.
Update: Cameron signed a two-year, $15 million deal with the Dolphins.
Gresham might not have made it to the marketplace if not for the Bengals drafting Notre Dame’s Tyler Eifert two years ago. With no need for two premium tight ends, Cincinnati allowed Gresham to depart in free agency where he’ll be the consolation prize for some team that misses out on Thomas or Cameron.
After Eifert missed most of 2014, Gresham responded with a solid 62 catches for 460 yards and five touchdowns. While not a game-breaking pass catcher, Gresham can be a reliable contributor for a team that has other talented receivers to put around him.
Among the top free agent tight ends, Daniels is the oldest player by far. He turns 33 in November and has already played nine seasons in the NFL. That wear and tear has stripped Daniels of the athleticism that made him such a dominant player with the Houston Texans, but he proved last year that he could serve as a No. 2 tight end.
It wouldn't be a surprise to see Denver, where Daniels' last offensive coordinator, Gary Kubiak, was recently hired as the head coach, make a run at Daniels as part of its replacement strategy for Thomas.
Update: Daniels signed a three-year, $12 million deal with the Broncos.
Kendricks never became the field-tilting tight end the Rams hoped they were getting when they spent a second-round pick on him in 2011. He only once topped 500 yards receiving, and never hauled in more than five touchdowns. Still, in a better offense with a more stable quarterback situation, Kendricks could finally take that next step towards stardom.
For teams that need a No. 1 tight end but can’t afford any of the top three options, Kendricks offers a nice alternative. He might never become more than a role player, but the potential remains for him to be much more.
Update: Kendricks signed a four-year, $18.5 million deal with the Rams.
Other notable names
Dickson is a serviceable No. 2 tight end who can contribute on special teams. He’s not a sexy option, but the team that signs him will be happy with what he provides.
Update: Dickson signed a three-year, $6.8 million deal to stay with Carolina.
Virgil Green (Denver Broncos)
Sometimes great athletes don’t turn into great tight ends. That’s been the narrative for Green through four seasons in the NFL. Like a poor man’s Kendricks, Green has the potential to become a bigger playmaker in the right situation.
Update: Green signed a three-year deal worth $8.4 million with Denver.
Left for dead after three undistinguished years in Kansas City, Moeaki jumped onto the Seahawks’ roster late in 2014 and demonstrated that he still has value. Injuries will always be a concern with him, but teams can do much worse at reserve tight end.
Jacob Tamme (Denver Broncos)
Yet another tight end leaving Denver this offseason, Tamme has been a favored target of Manning since the two worked together in Indianapolis. He has decent hands and can block a little, which is enough to get him another contract.
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